Skin cancer: you need to be aware of the dangers

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, diagnosed by doctors in approximately one million Americans each year. It usually presents as a tender red, scaly area, a pimple that doesn’t heal, or a spot that just looks different on your body.

This cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Malignant tumors form when some skin cells grow abnormally.

This particular cancer is responsible for less than 1% of all cancer deaths. Lifelong exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the reason it usually appears after age 50.

However, this cancer is increasing among young people between the ages of 18 and 39. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that skin cancer rates have increased among young women and men in the past 40 years, despite an increase in knowledge.

With the exception of breast cancer, women age 40 and younger are more likely to develop the most serious form, melanoma, than most other invasive cancers. For men, it is more common than cancers of the prostate, lung, or colon.

Melanoma, although rarer, is very aggressive and can spread to other organs of the body very quickly. It affects about 50,000 people in the United States each year.

The signs of this rare cancer appear as dark brown or black spots and have ragged edges. It can be multi-colored with shades of blue, white, or red. Melanoma appears in less than 5% of all skin cancers, but it is the cause of most deaths. Early detection is very important.

Treatments generally include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and / or chemotherapy. Early detection and proper treatment, before it penetrates the skin, raises the survival rate to 99%.

Skin cancer can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, particularly exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This cancer is serious and is the most diagnosed cancer in the US You need to pay attention to all of your skin, even the skin that you cannot see.

Prevention practices included the constant use of sunscreen, the use of protective clothing, including shirts and hats; and avoid excessive exposure to the sun during the noon hours. The Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval can help you choose a highly effective brand. Get the most out of your sunscreen by choosing one with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher.

Skin cancer is a very real risk, and most people think it can’t happen to them. It can happen, and it happens very often. You need to take steps to help prevent it from happening to you.